Born in Redding in 1970, Sharp began performing at a young age, but was diagnosed with blood cancer in 1989 as a teenager.

He reached stardom in the 1990s with a string of hits including a cover of Tony Rich’s “Nobody Knows,” which reached No. 1 in 1996.

Sharp went on to launch a successful music career, and became an advocate for children with chronic diseases. He also wrote an inspirational book about his experience, and toured the U.S. as a motivational speaker.